Marcus

Award-Winning Jazz Musician to Host 2023 Marcus Anderson Jazz AND Coffee Escape at NCCU

DURHAM, NC – Grammy and Stellar Award-nominated artist Marcus Anderson, ’07, will return to his alma mater, North Carolina Central University (NCCU), to celebrate the five-year anniversary of his annual Jazz AND Coffee Escape on July 27-29, 2023.

Marcus AndersonSince its inception, the Marcus Anderson Jazz AND Coffee Escape (MAJACE) festival has combined Anderson’s love for music and coffee, shining a spotlight on his café, the Trax Coffee Bar, and coffee brand, AND Coffee. The action-packed weekend, which attracts music lovers from across the U.S., includes social events, culinary treats, and other entertainment. 

“This is an incredible opportunity,” said Anderson. “Hosting MAJACE while partnering with my beloved alma mater, North Carolina Central University, is not only exciting but also poetic. I am truly making this a full circle moment.”

Anderson, who holds a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies from NCCU, has blazed the music charts with 13 studio albums on his long list of accomplishments. His most recent single “Soul Ties,” featuring Darnell “Showcase” Taylor, hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Airplay Chart. Anderson’s work with the late Prince and the New Power Generation led him to join stages with the likes of national recording artists CeeLo Green, Judith Hill, Stevie Wonder, and Liv Warfield, where he became a key contributor in these touring bands. Prince also featured Anderson on his last release “Hit N Run Phase 2,” playing on “Revelation” and “Look at Me Look at You.” He has also performed for dignitaries such as U.S. President Barack Obama, activist Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

“North Carolina Central University is proud to unite with its treasured alumnus, Marcus Anderson, to bring some of the most celebrated jazz musicians to the Triangle Region,” said Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D., NCCU chancellor. “A successful product of our award-winning jazz studies program, Marcus’ accomplishments further showcase that NCCU continues to deliver the Eagle Promise by shaping the future of aspiring musicians with a quality education that maintains the integrity of a great art form.”

2023 Marcus Anderson Jazz AND Coffee Escape announcement video featuring jazz musician Marcus Anderson and NCCU Chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye

The MAJACE stage has been graced by some of the world’s most renowned musicians, including the late Nick Colionne, CeeLo Green, Lindsey Webster, James Lloyd, Adam Hawley, Kim Scott, Terrance Young, Kenny Latimore, Marcus Johnson, Jeff Kashiwa, and Javier Colon to name a few. 

To celebrate this partnership with NCCU, all VIP packages will be offered at a 10% discount from Aug. 8 to Aug. 14. Use code “1910majace” at checkout. 

For more information about the Marcus Anderson Jazz AND Coffee Escape, visit www.majace.net

About North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) prepares students to succeed in the global marketplace. Consistently ranked as a top Historically Black College or University, NCCU offers flagship programs in the sciences, education, law, business, nursing and the arts. Founded in 1910 and located in the Research Triangle Region, NCCU remains committed to diversity in and access to higher education. The university, which offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 100 disciplines, master’s degrees in more than 40 areas, and a Ph.D. in Integrated Biosciences, has an expanding academic portfolio that meets current and future workforce demands in industries from clinical research to information technology. NCCU’s signature graduate and undergraduate degrees are housed in seven colleges and schools. NCCU is a leader in the scientific study of health disparities and provides students with the opportunity to gain laboratory skills and experience working with faculty researchers and pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry professionals in two, state-of-the-art research institutes that are housed on campus. For more information, visit www.nccu.edu or call (919) 530-6100.